Even and Lys continued cautiously through the cave.
"Man, I hate the cold." Lys announced as she crouched through the cramped cave.
"I love the cold!" Even replied.
"Oh, you would." Lys murmured.
"Oh, Lys, there you are. I lost you for a second because your skin is as pale as the snow. You might want to try a little make-up." Even said as a smirk appeared on his face.
"I'd like to remind you that I'm doing you a favor." Lys said, sounding annoyed.
"Just, come-on. I think he went this way." Even said, as he pointed to small tunnel leading to the left.
The duo moved slowly through the passage, until they came to a large room. The room had treasures scattered across it. Wristwatches, and other shiny object lay on the floor.
"I don't like this." Lys stated. "This is his cavern. If we get near this stuff, he'll be real angry."
"Come-on, we can handle one." Even noted confidently.
Even neared the large stacks of loot, before picking-up a bottle cap and examining it. From behind him, he heard a screech, and saw a Sneasel leaping at him. Even quickly ducked under him, and scurried towards the exit. When Even reached where Lys had been standing, he turned around to see four Sneasels looking angry behind them. The Sneasels stood hissing and growling, before, to Lys and Even's surprise, a Weavile leapt from the ceiling and landed right in front out them. Lys quickly sprang into action.
"Go Ponyta and Eevee!" she said as she threw the two Poke'balls in front of her.
Even then followed her lead.
"Come on, Cham and Buizel!"
Back in Snowpoint City, Jeremy, Pepe, Tori, Maxy and Raven, were still waiting in line at the gym.
"This is taking forever." Pepe complained.
"Who would've thought a place so cold could be so popular." Maxy added, while rubbing his hands together.
"Pepe, why do you and Even need this badge? Did you both lose to Candice?" Jeremy asked.
"No. We were on our way to Snowpoint when Professor Young called about coming back and helping him."
"Ah, ok, that makes since."
"Guys, can I borrow five-bucks from each of you?" Tori, who had been quiet for a while, asked.
"Why?" asked Maxy.
"Just trust me."
Each of the others gave Tori a five-dollar-bill, and then he added one of his own and quickly went to the front of the line. His stood there, talking to the boy in the front for a few minutes before he came rushing back.
"Alright, guys. The guy in the front just let-us cut him. Lets go."
The group swiftly moved-up to the front of the line, and took there newly acquired place. It wasn't long before they moved into the gym, and saw the gym leader, Candice, defeating a challenger.
"Who's next?" she asked warmly as she looked towards the Gym's entrance.
"That would me, Pepe!"
"Well, uh, Pepe, lets have a great battle."
Jeremy and Maxy walked to the bleachers, the latter was holding Tori's camera. Pepe then walked-up to the battlefield, which was covered in snow, with a few stones scattered across it, and icicles frozen to the ceiling.
Candice's first Pokémon was Abomasnow, while Pepe sent in Lucario.
As soon as Abomasnow entered the battlefield, a storm of hail appeared around it, and started pelting Lucario.
"That's Abomasnow's ability Snow Warning. You see, it- Wait, you know." Jeremy said, as a disappointed sound came to his voice.
"It's ok, Jeremy. I'm sure you'll find someone that'll listen to your constant blabbering." Maxy said dryly.
"You may have the first move, Pepe." Candice told him.
"Alright, Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
"Abomasnow, Focus Blast!"
Lucario quickly made a blue sphere in his palms, and threw it out towards Abomasnow, unfortunately for him; Abomasnow created a Pink Orb and sent it flying towards Lucario. The two attacks collided in mid-air, and created a beautiful explosion.
"Lucario, Drain Punch!"
Lucario's fist started glowing gold as he sprinted towards Abomasnow.
"Abomasnow, Avalanche!"
Abomasnow created a freezing white orb in his hands, and shot it at Lucario. Lucario saw the attack coming, and jumped over it. As he came flying towards the ground, he smashed his fist into Abomasnow's belly. As Lucario's fist stayed in contact with Abomasnow and a golden energy drained from Abomasnow's body into Lucario's. Abomasnow's weak body fell to his knees, as his eyes grew weak.
"Lucario, finish him off with Close Combat!"
Lucario's fist began glowing blue, and he whipped them towards the weak Abomasnow. As Lucario was about to make contact, large hailstones pelted Lucario repeatedly. As Lucario flinched backwards, Abomasnow used Focus Blast and threw a powerful orb into Lucario, sending him flying onto his back.
Lucario slowly pulled himself up and then let out a war cry.
"Lets go, Lucario, Close Combat!"
Lucario's fists were glowing blue as he repeatedly punched Abomasnow. Abomasnow's body began smoking, as he collapsed to the ground.
"Abomasnow is unable to battle, Lucario wins." Announced the referee.
"Great job, Abomasnow! Alright, Froslass, I choose you!"
In the stands, Jeremy let his Snorunt out of its Poke'ball, so it could observe Froslass' fighting style.
"Lucario, return. Go Infernape!"
As soon as Infernape left his Poke'ball, several large hailstones pelted him.
"Froslass, use Shadow Ball."
Froslass flew close to Infernape, before it disappeared in the hailstorm.
"That's Froslass' ability, Snow Cloak." Jeremy whispered.
Infernape looked around cautiously, before he was smashed face first into the snow by Froslass' Shadow Ball. Infernape angrily got-up and brushed himself off, but when he went to use Flamethrower, his attack missed the evasive Froslass completely. Froslass then came from behind him, and unleashed a Shadow Ball into his back.
"Come-on, Infernape! Concentrate and use Flare Blitz!"
Infernape's body became engulfed in a huge flame. Infernape took a deep breath, and as Froslass spat a purple orb at him, he dodged the attack, and ran full speed into his opponent. Infernape crashed full-force into the Froslass and created a massive cloud of smoke. Froslass lay unconscious on the ground, while Infernape staggered towards Pepe.
"Great Job, Infernape, now return. Go, Tyranitar!"
As soon as Tyranitar entered the battle, a large sandstorm began to over take the battlefield.
"When did Pepe get a Tyranitar!" Jeremy exclaimed as his gaze was fixed on the powerful creature.
"Come back, Froslass. Now lets do this, Weavile."
"Tyranitar, Fire Fang!"
"Weavile, Slash!"
Weavile sprinted-up to the large creature, and sliced at him, with his glowing claws, then Tyranitar moved his head around, and bit into Weavile ribs with Fiery Fangs. Weavile winced from the pain, and did his best to escape Tyranitar's jaws, but it was to no avail. Tyranitar's teeth were crushing Weavile, as the Pokémon used its last bit of energy to form a silver orb, and hit Tyranitar hard with Avalanche. Tyranitar teetered back, and let go of Weavile, who lay unconscious on the snow-covered ground.
"Weavile is unable to battle, that means Pepe is victorious." Said the referee lethargically.
"Here, Pepe, this is the Icicle Badge. You've earned it!"
"Cham, use Overheat!" Even ordered, as Charmeleon breathed a huge flame that smacked three of the Sneasel's to the ground, leaving one unconscious.
"Eevee, use tackle!" Lys ordered.
Eevee began running full speed at the Weavile, but Weavile dodged to attack, and hit Eevee with Sucker Punch.
"Alright, Eevee, get-up. Use Tackle, I believe in you."
Eevee again ran full speed at Weavile. As Eevee neared it, Weavile leapt in the air, over it, and Eevee crashed into the cavern's wall, as icicle fell from the ceiling on top of him.
"Buizel, use Aqua Jet on Weavile!" Even commanded.
Buizel became surrounded by water as he smacked into Weavile, who the countered with Ice Punch. Buizel then attempted to block the attack with his fist.
To the side, Cham and Ponyta had finished-off the last of the Sneasel's.
Even grew a grin on his face, then turned to Lys for a high-five, but saw she was gazing at the side of the cave.
"What are you looking at-" When Even looked at the wall, he saw a Glaceon where Eevee used to be standing.
Even scanned his Poke'dex over Glaceon.
"Glaceon, the Fresh Snow Pokémon and the evolved form of Eevee, Glaceon can freeze the fur on its body, and make it stick out like sharp needles as a protection mechanism. "
"The icicles most of evolved him." Lys said.
"That's crazy!" Even exclaimed.
Even then turned his head and remembered that Buizel was still fighting. Weavile smacked Buizel's temple with Ice Punch, and Buizel became very angry. He slashed his hands at Weavile, and their fist met in the air. Weavile's hands were cold with Ice, and soon, Buizel's hands became cold too. Buizel's fist started glowing white, and he smacked Weavile repeatedly, Even quickly threw a Poke'ball at it, and captured the Weavile.
"Great Job, Buizel, and congrats on learning Ice Punch. Now, Lys, we should be getting to the gym!"
"Go, Toxicroak!" Tori yelled, as he sent out his powerful Pokémon.
"Go Glaceon!" Candice said.
Quickly, Tori ordered Toxicroack to use Brick Break, while Candace ordered Glaceon to use Ice Beam. Toxicroak, with his left hand glowing, rushed towards Glaceon. Glaceon blew-out a freezing-cold beam, at scored a direct hit on Toxicroak. Toxicroak used his left hand to block the attack as he forcibly made his way towards Glaceon. Glaceon began shooting the beam more powerfully and it began to freeze Toxicroack over.
"Quickly, Toxicroak, smash the ice with Brick Break!"
As Toxicroak began to get frozen, he used Brick Break and smashed his left hand to the ground, shattering the ice that had overcome him.
"Glaceon, Water Pulse!"
Glaceon charged-up a blue orb outside its mouth, and flicked it across the floor towards Toxicroak.
"Toxicroak, Poison Jab!"
Toxicroak's fist glowed purple; as he smashed every orb the Glaceon threw at him.
"Hurry, Toxicroak, Mach Punch!"
Toxicroack's fist glowed silver as he used lightning speed to intercept Glaceon in the middle of a Water Pulse, knocking it on its back. Glaceon lay on the ground, weak from the attack. As she tried to get-up, Toxicroak grabbed its throat with his right hand.
"Toxicroak, Brick Break!"
Toxicroak's hand glowed white, and he struck Glaceon right on the spine. Glaceon let out a cry of pain, before fainting. Toxicroak tossed the weak Pokémon to the ground.
"Glaceon is unable to battle."
Candace recalled Glaceon, and then sent out Snover.
"Have a rest, Toxicroak. Now go, Heracross!"
Snover started by using Bullet Seed. Snover spat-out several large seeds at Heracross, who was hit repeatedly.
"Heracross, Mega Horn!"
Heracross' horn was glowing bright as he flew through the air, fearlessly dodging a Bullet Seed attack, and scratched Snover as he flew-by. Snover stumbled backwards a few steps, before lifting itself-up and using Ice Beam. Snover unleashed a freezing, cyan beam towards Heracross, who swiftly flew-up in the air and dodged the attack. Snover tried another Ice Beam, but Heracross twirled around it. Under Tori's orders, Heracross used Close Combat, and smashed Snover with enormous power, over and over. Snover stood still for a second or two, before collapsing face first into the snow.
"That'a'boy, Heracross! Now return and rest-up. Lets do this Golduck!"
Tori sent-out his third Pokémon, Golduck, while Candice sent-out her third, Weaville.
"Weaville, Night Slash!"
Weaville promptly dashed towards Golduck, and swiped at him with his glowing black claws.
"Golduck, finish this with Focus Blast!"
Golduck created a maroon orb in his hand and launched it towards Weavile. The orb smashed into Weavile and carried him straight into the wall behind Candice.
"Weavile is unable to battle, Tori wins."
"Great job, Tori!" Jeremy cheered from the stands. Maxy zoomed Tori's camera in to get a close-up of Candice handing him the badge.
Back in the cave, Even and Lys were running through to trying to get to the exit.
"I just wanted to say thanks for coming with me." Even said as they sprinted towards the light.
"No problem." Lys said as they exited the cave and had a chance to catch their breath.
"Here, I want you to have this." Even said as he reached into his backpack and pulled-out a cylinder-shaped glass container. Inside the container, on top of a red velvet pillow, sat a yellow egg.
"Where'd you get that?" Lys asked.
"I won it in one of those contest in Hearthome. I'll have to train this new guy I got, so I probably wont be able to give Egg the time he, uh, it, deserves."
"Well, uh, thanks I guess." Lys said, as she took the container.
"Alright, lets hurry to them Gym before the line gets to long." Even suggested, as the duo began jogging into the city.
"Mocha, Lava Plume!" Raven cried as Mocha was knocked on it back by Snover's Bullet Seed.
Mocha shot-out a fiery energy from its back, and the attack went in a high arch, before landing on, and around Snover. Snover collapsed to its knee's, and took a moment to collect itself, before getting-up and using Ice Beam. Snover's attack was met in the air by Mocha's Lava Plume, and the two attacks were in a stalemate for a while, with neither more powerful then the other. Eventually, Mocha couldn't keep-up the power and was forced back into a large pile of snow. Mocha slowly jumped-up, and charged full speed to use Rock Smash. Snover was tackled to the ground by Mocha, and left unable to battle.
"Wow, Raven's improving." Jeremy stated.
"Or, it could be that anything any of us send-out there is strong against Ice-Types." Pepe added, while Tori nodded in agreement.
Candice's nest Pokémon was Medicham.
"Medicham, use Fire Punch." Candice said calmly.
Medicham fist was engulfed in flames and she jabbed it at Mocha, who was knocked out of the air in the middle of a Rock Smash.
Mocha slowly got-up again, and attempted Lava Plume, but Medicham hit him with Mach Punch before he could attack, and he flew back unto his face.
"High Jump Kick, Medicham, come-on!"
Medicham leapt in the air, with her right foot glowing, she used her whole power to knock Mocha back in the wall, unconscious.
"Mocha, no!"
"Cyndaquil is unable to battle."
Raven grew angry at the loss of Mocha, and threw his next Pokémon unto the battlefield. Piplup.
Piplup stood blinking, as Medicham knocked him over with a Mach Punch. Piplup then grew angry like Raven, and when Medicham tried to use High Jump Kick, Piplup ducked under the attack, and Medicham crashed into the ground, sustaining a good amount of damage. As Medicham helped itself-up Piplup rushed over to it and repeatedly used Peck. Piplup's beak was glowing silver as he jabbed and prodded Medicham. Medicham then used Force Palm, and sent Piplup flying across the room. Piplup quickly waddled back to Medicham, and used Peck again. Medicham couldn't take anymore, and fell to the turf.
Candice sighed as she recalled Medicham and sent her last Pokémon, Piloswine.
Raven recalled Piplup, and sent-out Mudkip.
Piloswine first used Stone Edge, and two blue rings appeared around its body. The rings soon had many small stone's occupy them, and Piloswine stomped on the ground and sent the stones flying everywhere. Mudkip was pelted and smashed by the powerful attack, but got-up quickly and used Muddy Water. Mudkip blasted brown, mucky water from its mouth towards Piloswine, hitting him right between the eyes.
"Yuck!' exclaimed Pepe at the sight of the move.
Piloswine regained its composure and used Earthquake. Piloswine stomped its feet on the turf, and sent shockwaves in every direction. The earth cracked under the snow, as Mudkip was smacked by the attack.
Mudkip countered with Mud-Slap, and sent his own shockwave towards Piloswine. Piloswine was knocked on his side. Piloswine slowly got-up, only to be blasted by Muddy Water.
Piloswine collapsed into the snow and was left unable to battle.
Candice handed Raven the Icicle Badge as she shook his hand.
"Excellent job!"
As Jeremy, Tori, Maxy, Pepe and Raven walked-out of the gym, they noticed Even and Lys waiting in the middle of the line.
"Where were you guys?" Jeremy asked.
"I caught a Weavile and Lys now has a Glaceon. I also gave her the egg I won. There, I filed you in, now no more talking."
"Why does everyone say I talk a lot? I hardly talk at all!"
Even and Lys were waiting in line for about an hour and a half, before they got into the gym.
Even chatted with Candice for a minute or two, before the two took opposite sides of the frozen battlefield, and the battle soon commenced.
"Go Piloswine!"
"Get to it, Eevee!"
Piloswine used Avalanche first, and created a White Sphere that it sent flying towards Eevee.
"Eevee, Dig!"
Eevee burrowed face first into the ground and avoided Piloswine's attack.
"Pilloswine, Earthquake!"
Piloswine made the ground shake as it stomped its feet at sent shockwaves rippling through the dirt. Eevee, who was underground, was smacked hard by Piloswine's attack, but managed to stay standing and sprung through the snow-covered dirt to smack Piloswine.
"Eevee, Tackle!"
Eevee ran at his full speed and smacked hard into Piloswine, who then fired Avalanche into Eevee's vulnerable body, and sent him flying across the room.
"Eevee, return." Even said calmly. "Now go, Buizel!"
Buizel emerged from his poke' ball with his arms crossed and an angry expression on his face. Piloswine tried to his Buizel with Avalanche, but Buizel jumped over the attack, and hit Piloswine with Water Gun as he fell back towards the ground. Piloswine faltered from the attack, and Buizel took this moment to charge-up to him and use Aqua Jet. Buizel's body was surrounded by water as he smashed Piloswine hard. Piloswine reared on his hind legs, and smacked his front feet unto the soil, using Earthquake. Buizel flipped backwards, while using Iron Tail and slicing Piloswine upwards. The result left Piloswine unable to battle.
"Buizel, return. Go, Eevee!" Even shouted. Candice's next Pokémon was Snover.
"Eevee, Tackle!"
Eevee galloped towards Snover, but Snover dodged the attack, and Eevee crashed into a large pile of snow. Eevee, got-up and shook the snow off his head, but was blasted from behind by Snover's Ice Beam. Eevee regained his poise and used Tackle again. As Eevee leapt through the air at Snover, Snover hit Eevee hard with Ice Beam, and Eevee flew backwards. Into a wall, and icicles fell from the ceiling on top of him. Eevee let-out a war cry, and began shining brightly.
"Wow, Even's Eevee is evolving into Glaceon like Lys' did." Jeremy exclaimed.
When Eevee stopped glowing, it was revealed to be a Flareon.
"Wait, I thought Eevee evolved into Flareon via Fire Stone." Jeremy said puzzled.
"Actually, sometimes Eevee's evolve based on their environment." Maxy reminded him. "Wait, heheh, I knew that, and you didn't. Suck it, spazz!"
As soon as Flareon finished evolving, a circular flame enshrouded him.
"Oh, Kickass! Flareon, Flame Wheel!"
Flareon dashed towards Snover, and wacked him with his fiery body.
Snover was hurt badly by the attack, but managed to knocked Flareon away with Bullet Seed. Flareon lay on his back.
"Flareon is unable to- huh?"
Flareon slowly pulled himself-up, and his eyes were dark and angry.
"Yes! Lets go, bud. Flame Wheel!"
Flareon quickly moved towards Snover and collided with his opponent. The result of the attack left Flareon tired and panting, and Snover unable to battle.
Candice's last Pokemon was Abomasnow.
Flareon used Flame Wheel and rammed Abomasnow with all of his power. Abomasnow countered with Ice Beam, and knocked Flareon down and unconscious.
"Great job, Flareon. Take a rest, you've earned it. Now, go Togetic!"
Togetic emerged from his poke'ball and began to hover around the battlefield. Abomasnow used Ice Beam, but Togetic majestically dodged the attack, then used Ember and breathed a weak flame, which hit Abomasnow hard. Abomasnow again used Ice Beam, and this time he scored a perfect shot on Togetic. Togetic came crashing down into the snow and was left unable to battle.
Even's last Pokemon was Buizel. As Buizel exited its poke'ball, it locked eyes with Abomasnow, and became enraged. Both Pokemon were showing the effects of their earlier battles, but they were still going strong.
"Abomasnow, Wood Hammer!"
"Buizel, Iron Tail!"
The two Pokemon leapt into each other, and their attacks met in mid-air. Abomasnow's arm was glowing as it came down-on Buizel, but Buizel was blocking the attack with his Iron Tail. The two Pokemon were in a stalemate for what seemed like a long time.
"You've put-up a good battle, but Abomasnow is much more powerful then Buizel." Candice jeered.
"That may be so, Candice, but there is one thing you aren't counting-on, Buizel's will. You see, Buizel loves to battle. He loves it more then anything else. Know what he hates more then anything else? Losing. That is why Buizel will never, ever, lose a battle."
Right on que, Buizel began overpowering Abomasnow. As soon as Abomasnow let-up his attack by the tiniest bit, Buizel overpowered him completely and a huge cloud of smoke arose from the battlefield. Abomasnow had fainted, and right after the referee declared Even victorious, Buizel collapsed face first into the snow.
Lys' battle was going great for her so far. She had a Three to One advantage, and Ponyta had a huge advantage over Snover.
"Ponyta, use Fire Blast!"
Ponyta created a powerful flame with her mouth, and it collided perfectly into Snover, causing it to faint.
"Snover is unable to battle, Lys wins."
Lys received her gym badge, and she followed her friends out of the gym. The sun was still high in the sky when then got outside, but they still decided to walk towards the Pokemon Center to buy rooms for the night.
"Well, congrats to everyone fore their accomplishments today. " Jeremy said, trying to start a conversation. "Anyone have any comments?"
"I do." Maxy piped-up. "Lets get out of this hell-hole."
The other nodded in agreement as the entered the Pokemon Center, exhausted, but victorious.
